College football stadiums are amongst some of the biggest in the world with seven exceeding capacities of 100,000. These gargantuan venues are bigger than many professional athletes are likely to play in and there is no better setting for a student athlete. The Michigan Wolverines is the most popular in the country in terms of attendance, frequently welcoming over 110,000 fans to the Michigan Stadium. Under coach Jim Harbaugh, they won the Big Ten conference back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, the first time they had done so in 18 years.
With so much intrigue and excitement surrounding their program, fans are flocking to home games and packing out their stadium. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, ‘The Big House’ was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000. It is the largest stadium in the US and third largest in the world. It is so popular that since November 8 1975, every home game has boasted attendance figures that exceeded 100,000. This is a streak of over 300 games.
They are of course not the only ride in town however and there are plenty more stadiums that are just as exciting to visit. Let’s take a look at some of the best that the sport has to offer.
Penn State
The Penn State Nittany Lions play their home games at Beaver Stadium. Though the building of the stadium was completed in 1960, some parts date back to 1909. Named after James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania and president of the university’s board of trustees, it is known for its incredible atmosphere. Their ‘White-out game’, where their 106,000 strong following all come dressed in white, is described as “the best atmosphere in college football.” Although they are without a conference title in seven years, Penn State still have one of the most loyal followings in all of college football and if you are ever lucky enough to attend their White-Out game it is sure to be one of the most incredible sporting experiences of your life. Those looking to get even more involved can always check out the college football odds.
LSU
While Penn State may have the best atmosphere for a single game, LSU Tigers may just have the best overall atmosphere in all of college football for every home game. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tiger Stadium regularly welcomes 102,000 spectators. It first opened in 1924 with a capacity of 12,000 showing just how much it has grown in the near 100 years since. It is not just the stadium itself that makes Tiger Stadium such a great venue, it’s the pregame festivities outside as well. Louisianans boast the best pregaming experience in the nation. The structural design of the stadium amplifies the noise made by the fans making the Tigers’ roar one of the most exhilarating, atmospheric experiences in college football.
Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the biggest teams in the Big Ten this century, winning 11 conference titles. They have done so while being backed by a legion of 104,000 fans that fill out Ohio Stadium. Located in Columbus, the stadium is nicknamed ‘The Horseshoe’ for its likeness. It was first opened in 1922 and has been renovated many times over the years to increase its capacity and there is currently work being done to add luxury suites. The gameday atmosphere is one of a kind, especially during their games with rivals Michigan Wolverines, often referred to as ‘The Game’ by fans.
Alabama
‘Bama’s college football program is one of the most storied and decorated in football history. A breeding ground for some of the biggest and best NFL players in history, they electrify both on the field and in the stands. Bryant-Denny Stadiums holds just over 100,000 fans and their incredible home record is at least partly owed to their unbelievable atmosphere. Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, it is the tenth largest stadium in the world and you should do everything you can to attend this legendary stadium to watch this iconic football team.
Florida
Nicknamed ‘The Swamp’ (coined by former head coach Steve Spurrier in the 90s), the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the smallest in this list with a capacity of 88,000 but don’t let appearances fool you. This stadium packs a major punch and the completely enclosed stadium makes the intimacy a nightmare for road teams. The noise generated by Gators fans is one of the loudest in the nation and the saying “only Gators make it out alive,” is a testament to just how intimidating the atmosphere can be for away players. Although historically not the most successful team, their faithful fans make this program a dream for any student athletes.
